Top 5 Rising Stars in the UFC

Top 5 Rising Stars in the UFC

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In today's UFC, talent is stacked up and down each weight class. There are many fighters who are turning heads, but only five could make the list. These five fighters are not only climbing up the rankings, but could very well fight for the title in the next calendar year.

5. Dennis Bermudez - Featherweight

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5. Dennis Bermudez - Featherweight

Joshua Lindsey- USA Today Sports

Bermudez is coming off an impressive submission victory over Clay Guida. He has risen from The Ultimate Fighter finale as a loser, to being a top ranked featherweight. His next fight will be the real test as he may be matched up with top-five contender.

4. Anthony Johnson - Light Heavyweight

Tommy Gilligan- USA Today Sports

4. Anthony Johnson - Light Heavyweight

Tommy Gilligan- USA Today Sports

Nobody in the light-heavyweight division wants to step in that octagon opposing "Rumble". Since his return to the UFC and the move up to 205 pounds, Johnson has dominated former top contender, Phil Davis, and knocked out Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. He has been so impressive that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has predicted that "Rumble" will be a future champion.

3. Claudia Gadelha - Strawweight

Bill Strelcher- USA Today Sports

3. Claudia Gadelha - Strawweight

Bill Strelcher- USA Today Sports

"Claudinha" is 12-0 as a pro, including her victory over Tina Lahdemaki in the UFC Strawweight debut. With no current champion, Gadelha has pretty much claimed her spot in the first ever Strawweight Championship fight. Her next opponent is yet to be picked.

2. Khabib Nurmagomedov - Lightweight

David Manning- USA Today Sports

2. Khabib Nurmagomedov - Lightweight

David Manning- USA Today Sports

At 22-0 it is obvious why he is No. 2 on the list. With six straight wins since coming to the UFC, he has cemented his spot as the No. 3 ranked Lightweight. The 25-year-old Russian has wins over the likes of Rafeal Dos Anjos, Gleison Tibau and Thiago Tavares. Watch out for the man in the papakha (hat).

1. Conor McGregor - Featherweight

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1. Conor McGregor - Featherweight

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Conor McGregor has the talent to back up all of the talking he does, leading up to fights. 3-0 since entering the UFC, McGregor has taken out Marcus Brimage, Max Holloway and Diego Brandao. "Notorious" has the skill and confidence to challenge and take out anyone in the featherweight division.